Meter module assembly

Abstract

A meter module assembly includes a combination meter panel implemented with meters/indicating lamps and a drive circuit thereof, an electric junction box integrating functional circuits to distribute and control power sources and input/output signals for vehicle-mounted electric equipment including the meters/indicating lamps, and a switch unit integrating switches for vehicle-mounted electric equipment. The combination meter panel, the electric junction box, and the switch unit are integrally united. The electric junction box is integrally combined with the switch unit at the rear surface of the unit being arranged side by side with the combination meter panel. The electric junction box is electrically connected with the combination meter panel by a flexible circuit board.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A meter module assembly comprising: a combination meter panel implemented with meters/indicating lamps and a drive circuit thereof;   an electric junction box integrating functional circuits to distribute and control power sources and input/output signals for vehicle-mounted electric equipment including said meters/indicating lamps;   a switch unit integrating switches for vehicle-mounted electric equipment; and wherein said combination meter panel, said electric junction box, and said switch unit are integrally united,   said electric junction box integrally combined with said switch unit at the rear surface of said unit being arranged side by side with said combination meter panel, and said electric junction box being electrically connected with said combination meter panel by a flexible circuit board.   
     
     
       2. A meter module assembly according to claim 1, wherein an instrument cluster finished panel is mounted in front of said combination meter panel and said switch unit to cover them. 
     
     
       3. A meter module assembly according to claim 1, wherein said electric junction box comprises busbur circuit boards, and a centerized-control-circuit board to distribute power sources and input/output signals for vehicle-mounted electric equipment including said meters/indicating lamps. 
     
     
       4. A meter module assembly according to claim 3, wherein a connector attached to said switch unit is engaged with a connector attached to said electric junction box, and also an engagement recess formed in a case receiving said electric junction box is engaged with a locking projection formed in said switch unit so that said switch unit is fixed the case to be united in a body. 
     
     
       5. A meter module assembly according to claim 1, wherein on the rear surface of said electric junction box, a connector having a plurality of terminals is provided, said connector being one connected with a connector of an instrument panel harness. 
     
     
       6. A meter module assembly according to claim 5, wherein a terminal with a contact face attached on one end of said flexible circuit board is provided to connect with a terminal of the connector of said instrument panel harness. 
     
     
       7. A meter module assembly according to claim 1, wherein a couple of said electric junction boxes integrally combined with said switch unit, each of which is arranged apart from each other. 
     
     
       8. A meter module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the meter module assembly has a couple of connectors having a plurality of terminals on the rear surface thereof, each of which is connected to an instrument panel harness.